Benin Signs €544,042 Financing Agreement with UNAIDS for HIV/AIDS Response
Benin signs €544,042 financing agreement with UNAIDS to bolster HIV/AIDS response activities for 2026-2027.
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September 2026 (46)
Benin Boosts ECOWAS Parliament Representation with Three New Deputies
Benin has added three new deputies to the ECOWAS Parliament, increasing its representation to five members. The deputies took their oath in Accra on
Ulrich Vital Ahotondji Appointed Director of Maison des Médias in Benin
Ulrich Vital Ahotondji appointed director of Maison des Médias in Benin, effective September 23, 2026. He will oversee administrative and financial
Benin's Agriculture Sector Shows Strong Growth and Economic Contribution in 2025
Benin's agriculture sector contributed 25.4% to GDP and 59.1% of export revenues in 2025, showing strong growth from 24.2% in 2024.
Four Arrested in Ouèdo Drug Bust
Four people were arrested in Ouèdo after police discovered 300 balls of Indian hemp in a home used as a drug sales and consumption point.
16 Arrested, Psychotropic Products Seized in Cotonou Kiosk Operation
Sixteen people were arrested and psychotropic products seized in a police operation targeting two kiosks in Cotonou's Sètovi neighborhood.
Benin Offers Free Birth Certificates for Under-14s
Benin offers free birth certificates for children under 14 until September 30, 2026, as part of the 2026 Identity Day initiative by ANIP with UNICEF
Benin's State Budget Revenues Exceed Half-Year Target
Benin's state budget revenues reached 1,220.8 billion FCFA in the first half of 2026, exceeding the mid-year target with a strong fiscal performance.
Benin Withdraws from UFOA-B U17 Girls Cup, Forcing Format Change
Benin withdraws from the UFOA-B U17 Girls Cup 2026 in Côte d’Ivoire, forcing organizers to change the tournament format to a single six-team event.
Benin APDP Officers Sworn In to Bolster Data Protection
Seventeen officers of Benin's Autorité de Protection des Données Personnelles (APDP) were sworn in to bolster national data protection efforts.
University of Parakou Faces Setbacks at African University Games
The University of Parakou faced defeats in women's basketball (70-66 vs. Misr International) and men's volleyball (3-1 vs. Ain Shams) at the African
Benin's Economic Council Prepares Landmark Opinion on National State
Benin's Economic and Social Council will issue its first-ever opinion on the nation's economic and social state during its 30-day session in Cotonou.
Benin Police Agent Detained for Arson to Hide Embezzlement
A police agent in Malanville, Benin, has been detained for allegedly setting fire to his station to conceal embezzlement of funds.
Nigeria and Benin Launch Digital System to Boost Trade at Sèmè-Kraké Border
Nigeria and Benin launch a digital system at the Sèmè–Kraké border to streamline trade, speed up goods clearance, and improve coordination between customs
Benin Senate Convenes for First Official Session to Finalize Regulations
Benin's Senate convenes September 15, 2026, in Cotonou for its first official session to finalize administrative and financial regulations.
Benin Launches Internet-Free University Transport Ticket System
Benin launches an internet-free university transport ticket system. Students can purchase tickets via USSD code *611# or a national platform, ensuring
Benin Boosts Cotton Value Chain Through Domestic Processing
Benin is boosting its cotton value chain by increasing domestic processing, aiming to transform raw exports into finished goods and create jobs.
CRIET Appeals Chamber Upholds 5-Year Sentence for Sexual Assault
Benin's CRIET Appeals Chamber confirms a 5-year prison sentence for Adanvo Méchac for the sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl in Cotonou.
Border Schools Remain Shut Amidst Rising Insecurity in Nigeria and Benin
Schools in border areas of Nigeria and Benin remain shut due to rising insecurity and threats of attacks from armed groups, impacting education for many
Benin Mandates Prioritization of Local Products in Public Procurement
Benin mandates public procurement to prioritize local products in eight categories, requiring ministerial approval for imported substitutes.
Benin Launches 2026-2027 School Year with Focus on Rigor and Financial Relief
Benin launches its 2026-2027 school year on September 14, emphasizing academic rigor, support, and financial relief for families.
Sing and Dance with the Amazon Event Concludes in Cotonou
The "Sing and Dance with the Amazon" event in Cotonou, featuring free Beninese music and dance, concludes September 12, 2026.
Nigeria, Benin Customs Assess Joint Border Post for Trade Harmonization
Nigeria and Benin Customs jointly assessed their One-Stop Border Post to harmonize trade and boost regional economic integration.
Nigeria and Benin Launch Real-Time Data Exchange at Seme-Kraké Border to Boost Trade
Nigeria and Benin launch real-time data exchange at Seme-Kraké border to boost trade, bridge customs gaps, and reduce delays.
CIPRES Seeks Inspectors to Bolster Social Welfare Organizations
CIPRES is recruiting three inspectors to bolster social welfare organizations. Beninese officials can apply until September 30, 2026.
Battle for Benin's Treasures: MOWAA Dispute Unearths Heritage Control Conflict
A dispute over the control and management of Benin City's Museum of West Africa Art (MOWAA) highlights conflicts over funding, land, and custodianship of
Woman Assaulted During Oro Cult Activity in Benin, Several Arrested
A woman was assaulted during Oro cult activity in Awokpa, Zè, Benin, leading to several arrests by security forces. The victim was accused of being a
Beninese Entrepreneur Transforms Tomatoes into Value-Added Products with Foundation Support
Beninese entrepreneur Louis Wilfried Yehouessi transforms local tomatoes into value-added products like purée and spice blends with support from the Tony
Ivette Biokou's Ewatomi Market: Transforming Benin's Fruit Surplus into a Sustainable Business
Ivette Biokou's Ewatomi Market in Benin transforms surplus fruit into dried snacks and value-added products, creating jobs and a sustainable business.
Benin Boosts Soybean Processing with $50 Million Investment
Benin invests $50 million to boost soybean processing, shifting from raw exports to value-added agro-industrial products and creating jobs.
Benin's Financial Systems Face New Data Upload Mandate
Benin's decentralized financial systems must now complete a new IDENTIFIER sheet for data uploads to the ANSSFD e-Control platform.
Benin Pilots Demographic Dividend Platform in Abidjan
Benin pilots a demographic dividend monitoring platform in Abidjan with seven other West African countries to track demographic changes for development.
Viral TikTok Trend Offers Anti-Harassment Prep for Benin Students
Benin students use a viral TikTok trend for anti-harassment prep, but experts caution it shouldn't replace adult intervention or school procedures.
Benin Launches Free School Kit Distribution for 145,580 Learners
Benin launches free school kit distribution for 145,580 learners for the 2026-2027 academic year, aiming to support students and alleviate family burdens.
Worker Dies After Being Swept Away by Canal Water in Djougou Construction Site
A worker died after being swept away by canal water at a construction site in Djougou, Benin. Three other workers were injured in the incident.
EBRD Launches SME Support Package in Benin to Drive Private Sector Growth
The EBRD launches a comprehensive SME support package in Benin to boost private sector growth with tailored advisory and financing solutions.
Okpagha-Amufi Road Reconstruction Sparks Economic Revival in Benin City
The reconstruction of Okpagha-Amufi Road in Benin City has revived economic activities and improved living conditions, enhancing connectivity for seven
Benin Bishop Seeks National Consultation to Regulate Costly Funeral Practices
Benin Bishop Mgr Clet Fèliho calls for national consultation to regulate costly funeral practices that financially burden families and cause suffering.
Oba of Benin Suspends Royal Praise Singers Indefinitely Over Tradition Breach
The Oba of Benin has indefinitely suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers for allegedly breaching tradition by performing a ritual reserved for the
Edo Health Agency Shuts Down Unregistered Hospital Operating for a Decade
Edo State health agency shuts down Jess Royal Hospital in Benin for operating unregistered for over a decade, citing regulatory lapses and patient welfare
Four Arrested in Ouessè Robbery After Accomplice Injured, Stolen Goods Recovered
Four suspects arrested in Ouessè, Benin, after a robbery where one assailant was injured by an accomplice. Stolen money and phones recovered.
Benin Approves Off-Grid Electrification for Twelve Localities
Benin's government has approved concession agreements for the off-grid electrification of 12 localities, aiming to provide electricity access to
Benin's Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone Surpasses Milestones in 2026
Benin's Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) reports over 25,000 jobs created by 2026, with 20 operational units and more than 40 investor contracts signed.
Le Bénin prend les rênes du Conseil de paix et de sécurité de l'Union africaine
Bénin assumes the presidency of the African Union's Peace and Security Council for September 2026, succeeding Algeria. The agenda includes discussions on
Fake Facilitator Arrested Near Cotonou Port for Defrauding Truck Drivers
Police in Cotonou arrested a fake facilitator near the port who was defrauding truck drivers by posing as an official for expedited passage.
Benin's Guépards Prioritize AFCON Qualifiers Over Argentina Friendly
Benin's national football team, Les Guépards, will prioritize their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers over an upcoming friendly against Argentina.
August 2026 (42)
Beninese Teacher's Five-Year Sentence for Harassing Student Confirmed on Appeal
A Beninese teacher, Amoussouke Narcisse, has had his five-year prison sentence for sexually harassing a 15-year-old student confirmed on appeal by the
Benin Grants Citizenship to Afro-Descendant Diaspora
Benin grants citizenship to 10 people from the Afro-descendant diaspora, primarily from Guadeloupe, as part of its initiative to connect with its diaspora.
Major Indian Hemp Seizure in Sèmè-Okoun
Police in Sèmè-Okoun seized 265.25 kg of Indian hemp in a major operation, marking a significant success against drug trafficking.
Telecommunications Technician Hospitalized After Dog Attack in Benin City
A telecommunications technician was hospitalized in Benin City after being attacked by three dogs while installing MTN equipment.
Teenager Found Dead in Thian Reservoir
A teenager was found dead in a water reservoir in the Thian district of Benin. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the
Beninese Youth Favor Entrepreneurship Over Traditional Employment, Afrobarometer Study Finds
An Afrobarometer study finds 68% of young Beninese prefer to start their own businesses over traditional employment, highlighting a strong entrepreneurial
Benin's Cotton Boom Fuels Industrial Transformation at Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone
Benin is transforming its cotton wealth into an industrial economy by processing raw cotton into finished goods at the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone
Benin and US Military Chiefs Meet to Bolster Security Partnership
Benin's military chief met with US Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman at the Pentagon to strengthen security partnership and cooperation initiatives.
Benin BAC 2026 Laureates Can Now Collect Attestations
Benin's BAC 2026 laureates can now collect their attestations from designated centers in all twelve departments until August 29, 2026.
Beninese Police Uncover Large Cannabis Plantation, Seize Over 30 Kilograms
Beninese police seized over 30 kilograms of cannabis and uncovered a large plantation in the Okpara district.
Beninese Army Announces Major Personnel Redeployment
The Beninese Army has announced a major personnel redeployment affecting 342 soldiers across various units and ranks to enhance operational efficiency.
Minister Slams Concessionaire Over Benin-Asaba Expressway Woes
Minister David Umahi criticizes BAECC for the poor state of the Benin-Asaba highway, citing incompetence and unauthorized asphalt removal.
Urgent Highway Repairs Launched Between Edo and Delta States Following Presidential Directive
Urgent highway repairs launched between Edo and Delta States following President Tinubu's directive to fix deplorable road conditions and improve
Benin Braces for Widespread Power Outages on August 27
Benin faces widespread power outages on August 27, 2026, affecting twelve cities including Cotonou and Parakou. SBEE schedules maintenance work from 10:00
Benin Entrepreneur Digitizes Knowledge for Academic Advancement
Benin entrepreneur Aristide Chabi digitizes academic knowledge via Groupe CTAD, making resources accessible online with support from The Tony Elumelu
Benin President Elevated to Prince of Nikki Imperial Court
Benin President Romuald Wadagni was elevated to Prince of the Imperial Court of Nikki during the Gaani festival, receiving the title "The unifying
Motorcycle Collision in Atrokpocodji Leaves Three Injured, One Critical
A motorcycle collision in Atrokpocodji, Godomey, on August 24, 2026, injured three people, including a taxi-moto driver in critical condition
Child Stunting in Benin: Poverty, Misinformation Hinder Progress
Child stunting affects over 30% of children under five in Benin, with poverty and misinformation hindering progress despite government efforts.
Ismath Bio Tchané Mamadou Reappointed Head of Benin's Court of Accounts
Ismath Bio Tchané Mamadou begins her second five-year term as head of Benin's Court of Accounts, overseeing public finances and accountability.
Two Schoolgirls Found Dead in Kandi Pit After Extensive Search
Two schoolgirls were found dead in a pit in Kandi, Benin, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, after an extensive search. Investigations into their deaths are
Seven Arrested in Cotonou Drug Bust Near PK3 Market
Seven individuals were arrested in Cotonou near the PK3 market on suspicion of drug trafficking, following a police operation.
EHUA Industries Advances Benin Agro-Industry Project with Major Investment
EHUA Industries advances its Benin agro-industry project in GDIZ, set to produce animal feed and process soybeans with significant capacity.
Benin Sets Dates for National Pedagogical Days 2026-2027
Benin sets September 3-4, 2026, for its National Pedagogical Days, a key event for secondary education planning and development.
Four Arrested in Benin Over Violent Motorcycle Theft and Stolen Vehicle Resale Ring
Four arrested in Benin for violent motorcycle theft and a stolen vehicle resale ring. The operation followed the robbery of a taxi-moto driver.
Trial of Police Commissioner Delcoz Kindjanhoundé Postponed Again by CRIET
The trial of Police Commissioner Delcoz Kindjanhoundé at Benin's CRIET has been postponed again, marking continued delays in the months-long procedure.
Benin's Merchandise Exports Show Annual Growth Amidst Quarterly Dip
Benin's merchandise exports reached 188,844.9 million FCFA in Q2 2026, showing annual growth despite a quarterly dip. Cotton leads sales.
Couple Arrested in Porto-Novo for Suspected Drug Dealing
A couple was arrested in Porto-Novo for suspected dealing of psychotropic substances. Police seized suspected Indian hemp and Tramadol from their home.
Benin Baccalauréat 2026: Attestation Collection Dates Announced
Benin Baccalauréat 2026: Candidates can collect their attestations from August 24-29. A detailed schedule by examination center is available.
Stolen Motorcycle Recovered in Sèmèrè After Suspects' Dispute
A stolen motorcycle was recovered in Sèmèrè, Ouaké, after a dispute between two suspects led to a police investigation and their detention.
Fishermen Aid Victims After Bridge Accident in Adjohoun
Four people were injured in a bridge accident in Adjohoun, Bénin. Local fishermen provided immediate aid to victims before emergency services arrived at
GDIZ and ARISE Foundation Bolster Aizo Community Through Festival Support
GDIZ and ARISE Foundation bolster the Aizo community through support for the Aizohoé cultural festival and its 48-day football tournament.
Russian Official Congratulates Benin Senate President
Russian Federation Council President Valentina Matvienko congratulates Patrice Talon on his election as President of the Benin Senate.
Cotonou Police Arrest 21, Seize Drugs and Counterfeit Medicine in Missèkplé Operation
Cotonou police arrested 21 individuals in Missèkplé, seizing cannabis and counterfeit medicine during an operation targeting illicit activities.
Benin State to Directly Organize Gaani Festival, Aiming for Major Cultural and Tourist Event
Benin's state will directly organize the Gaani festival in Nikki from 2026, aiming to make it a major national and international cultural and tourist
Guard's Sons Thwart Burglary Attempt at Abomey-Calavi Agency
Guard's sons thwarted a burglary attempt at an Abomey-Calavi savings agency on Sunday, subduing the suspect before police arrived.
Hêvié Police Seize Large Tramadol Haul, Arrest Suspect
Police in Hêvié seized 24,400 Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets and arrested a suspect involved in local drug distribution.
Canada Invests $18.3 Million in Benin Port, Opens First Embassy
Canada invests $18.3 million in Benin's Port of Cotonou for modernization, opening its first embassy in Cotonou.
Benin Baccalaureate Session Sees 681 Achieve Top Honors
681 candidates in Benin achieved the "Mention Très-Bien" in the June 2026 baccalaureate session, recognizing exceptional academic performance.
Toviklin Councilor Jacques Toffodji Dies in Road Accident
Toviklin municipal councilor Jacques Toffodji died in a road accident on the night of July 31 to August 1, 2026. He was president of the Commission des
Benin Transfers Management of Health Agents to Communes Under New Harmonized System
Benin transfers management of health agents to its 77 communes under a new harmonized system, ensuring timely monthly payments and supporting
Benin Senate Elects First President and Bureau in Closed-Door Session
Benin's Senate is holding a closed-door election to choose its first president and bureau members in Porto-Novo, a key step for its bicameral legislature.
Benin's Macabre Discoveries: A Symptom of Eroding Community
Benin faces a rise in macabre discoveries, including abandoned infants and deceased bodies, signaling an erosion of community spirit and solidarity.
July 2026 (12)
Benin at 66: Navigating a Turbulent Past Towards Economic Sovereignty
Benin celebrates 66 years of independence, reflecting on its turbulent past and focusing on economic sovereignty and the crucial role of its citizens in
Benin President Honors Defense Forces Ahead of 66th Independence Anniversary
Benin's President Romuald Wadagni paid tribute to defense and security forces in Cotonou ahead of the nation's 66th Independence Day celebrations.
Benin Establishes First Senate, Ushering in Bicameral Parliament
Benin installs its first Senate on July 30, 2026, establishing a bicameral parliament and marking a significant shift in its legislative history after a
Heavy Rains Cause Widespread Flooding and Infrastructure Damage in Atacora, Benin
Heavy rains from July 28-30 caused widespread flooding and infrastructure damage in Atacora, Benin, submerging homes and displacing residents.
Benin's Constitutional Court Upholds CES Reform Law
Benin's Constitutional Court has declared law n°2026-13, reforming the Economic and Social Council (CES), constitutional. The President can now promulgate
Mathieu Kérékou's "Chameleon" Return to Power in Benin
Mathieu Kérékou, 'The Chameleon', made a surprising return to power in Benin in 1996, transforming from Marxist leader to democratically elected president.
Motorcycle Theft Suspect Arrested in Dogbo, Investigation Uncovers Broader Criminal Activity
A motorcycle theft suspect was arrested in Dogbo, Benin, on July 24, 2026, after resident reports triggered an investigation into broader criminal
Four Girls Injured by Gunfire During Traditional Hunting Event in Pèrèrè
Four young girls were injured by gunfire during a traditional hunting event in Pèrèrè on July 26, 2026. Local authorities are investigating the incident.
Massive Pharmaceutical Seizure in Zè Leads to Two Arrests
Authorities seized 122 kilograms of prohibited pharmaceutical products at the Tangbo market in Zè, leading to the arrest of two women.
Benin Daily Life
A visual depiction of daily life in Cotonou, Benin, on July 24, 2026, showcasing urban rhythms and traditional commerce.
Drought Declared in Wales Amidst Record Dry Spell and Heatwaves
Drought declared in parts of Wales and the Upper Severn due to record dry weather, heatwaves, and wildfires. July is on course to be the driest on record
Former Nursing Assistant Arrested in Cotonou for Supplying Illicit Drug Network
A 53-year-old former nursing assistant was arrested in Cotonou, Bénin, for allegedly supplying an illicit drug network with pharmaceutical products and